Effect of different nitrogen doses on yield and some quality properties in sorghum x sudan grass hybrids (Sorghum bicolor (L.) moench x sorgum sudanense (piper) stapf) cultivars

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of different nitrogen doses on yield and some quality properties of sorghum x sudangrass hybrids (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench x Sorgum sudanense (Piper) Stapf) cultivars (Greengo and Sugar Graze II) in Musulca village-Edirne ecological conditions in 2014. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor factorial in randomized complete block design with four replicates. The different nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 kg ha-1) and cultivars (Greengo and Sugar Graze II) affected the leaves/plant, leaf/stem ratio, total green fodder yield, total hay yield and neutral detergent fiber ratio. Contrary to crude fiber ratio, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber; the stem diameter, the leaves/plant, leaf/stem ratio, total green fodder yield, total hay yield, crude protein ratio and total protein yield increased depending on the nitrogen doses. In Greengo sorghum x sudan grass hybrid, total green fodder, hay and proten yields were 15.85 t ha-1, 5.28 t ha-1 and 0.58 t ha-1, respectively, by not applying nitrogen. The nitrogen application at the rate of 160 kg ha-1 significantly decreased crude fiber (28.033-29.200 %) and neutral detergent fiber (57.267 %) over control. According to results, cultivation of the Sugar Graze II sorghum x sudangrass hybrid for higher forage yield and quality at the 160 kg ha-1 application is recommended in Thrace region.